May 23rd COVID-19 Update
New COVID-19-related updates for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services continue to be shared on a regular basis by both state and federal authorities. The latest developments are described below.
As a reminder, LeadingAge NY continues to convene weekly webinars on Mondays at 11 a.m. to address emerging questions on COVID-19. Please note that there was no webinar held this week due to the LeadingAge NY Annual Conference and Exposition. If you have questions for next week’s update, which will be held on Tues., May 30th at 11 a.m. due to Memorial Day, or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
LeadingAge NY Urges State to Revisit Issues Given Conclusion of Federal Public Health Emergency
With the conclusion of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), there remain many questions among the LeadingAge NY membership regarding how these changes will impact you and the people you serve. On May 17th, LeadingAge NY sent this letter to Dr. James McDonald, the Commissioner of the NYS Department of Health (DOH). In the letter, we urge the State to take this opportunity to revisit certain issues in light of the significant progress made with the COVID-19 pandemic and provide recommendations for consideration. Specifically, we address the Health Emergency Response Data System (HERDS) survey, the vaccination mandate, masking, the “flu mask regulation,” the potential expiration of Executive Order (EO) 4, telehealth, and the need for updated COVID-19 guidance and clarification.
Governor Hochul Extends Workforce Flexibilities for 17 Days
Governor Hochul has renewed EO 4, which establishes flexibilities to address health care workforce shortages. This renewal is only for a few weeks, through June 8th. It is not the typical monthly renewal, which may mean that it will be allowed to expire in June. EO 4.21, issued on May 22nd, is available here.
In addition, the State has posted two documents in reference to the pending expiration of the EO. One is to facilitate licensure applications for out-of-state registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The other provides the licensure requirements for out-of-state RNs and LPNs and other professional roles. Those documents are available here and here.
LeadingAge NY will continue its advocacy for continuation of the EO.
Affordable Housing/Independent Living Updates
HUD Programs and the End of the COVID-19 National Emergency
The COVID-19 National Emergency declared in March 2020 officially ended on May 11th, and there is the potential that households and housing providers receiving assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be impacted.
More information about the potential effects, including on issues like the processing of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs), the requirement for a 30-day notice to vacate for non-payment of rent, and forbearance relief for Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgages, is available from LeadingAge National here.